From the Editor - Christianity Today

Read between the lines, and here’s who you’ll meet.

Some of the best reading is found between the lines. Even with a one-liner, such as “The sooner you fall behind, the more time you’ll have to catch up,” you’re pretty sure, between the lines, you see a writer who is not a punctual, type-A personality.

Or take the quip: “Monday is an awful way to spend 1/7th of your life.” That wasn’t written by pastoral staff member. I guarantee it.

We hope the words in LEADERSHIP accurately describe your world and point you in helpful directions. But your reading will be more complete if you know who’s between the lines. Since we’ve undergone several changes recently, let me introduce you to our editorial team.

Eric Reed, associate editor, joined LEADERSHIP after seven years as pastor of Gentilly Baptist Church in New Orleans and an earlier career in radio and television journalism in Florida and Mississippi. Eric and his wife, Donna, worship at Glenfield Baptist whenever Eric is not guest preaching elsewhere. And yes, Donna Reed will tell you, “It’s a wonderful life.”

Ed Gilbreath does double duty as associate editor of both LEADERSHIP and sister publication CHRISTIANITY TODAY, after four years with New Man magazine. Ed and his wife, Dana (whose father is a chaplain at Circle Urban Ministries in Chicago) met at Rock of Our Salvation Church, where Ed sings in the Rock Choir. They’re expecting their first child any day now.

Dawn Zemke, editorial coordinator, is responsible for tracking all manuscripts and payments (writers and cartoonists, take note of whose good graces really matter around here!). A graduate in biology from Wheaton College, she’s now mother of two (David and Caitlin), wife of one (Ron), and plays in the handbell choir at First Presbyterian Church of Glen Ellyn.

Rai Whitlock was raised as a missionary kid in Italy, served as a graphic designer at Greater Europe Mission and at Tyndale House Publishers before becoming art director of LEADERSHIP and CHRISTIAN HISTORY. Rai and his wife, Joan (director of children’s ministry at Wheaton Bible Church) have two sons, Jason and Matthew.

In addition, Kevin Miller, Dave Goetz, and Craig Brian Larson will continue contributing regularly to LEADERSHIP, though their main focus has shifted.

Kevin, our editor at large and “Heart and Soul” columnist, is investing himself in research and development of new products, including MEN OF INTEGRITY, our bi-monthly devotional for men.

Dave compiles our “Building Your Leaders” department, which arose as a result of the strong response to his widely used “Building Church Leaders” notebook.

Brian, our bi-vocational editor and church planter (Lakeshore Assembly of God in Chicago), compiles our “Preaching That Connects” and “To Illustrate Plus” departments. Together, Brian and Dave are the driving force behind PreachingToday.com, our new Web site for preachers (see page 128).

Flip the pages. We’ll meet you between the lines.